The Right to Choose

Yesterday’s events (and other recent farm trespass events) had left me feeling so upset that it’s taken me this long to put my thoughts together in a post.

We live in a very lucky country that enjoys access to high quality and safe food and the right to choose. You have the right to choose to eat meat and the right to choose not to eat meat. You also have the right to live in your home and conduct your legal business free from bullying, harassment and intimidation.

I don’t have an issue with anyone’s choice of diet, whatever works for you.

What I do have an issue with is when animal rights activists who are against any form of animal production, breeding or use (including livestock for food, zoo breeding programs, guide dogs, racing, rodeo…the list goes on) start breaking and entering at meat processing businesses, trespassing on family farms, bullying and harassing a family business to a point where they are fearful of their own and their staff’s safety so they close the doors. This is not ok.

I know of farmers who are living in fear of what may happen at their farm. These are farms that are listed on the Aussie Farms attack map and some that aren’t…yet. Not because they have anything to hide (I’m am so very tired of hearing that argument) but because these groups are unhinged in their beliefs, have no knowledge of animal husbandry, what a fight or flight zone is and are not willing to listen to the farmer. People and animals are going to be hurt if these invasions are allowed to continue.

It is blatant intimidation of the men and women who live and work on family farms and in agricultural businesses, not to mention the intimidation of children who also live on family farms. Family farms are the farmer’s home.

From what I have seen, the police have been doing their job but are being let down, as farmers are, by the court system. What kind of deterrent is a $1 fine or a $250 fine like those handed out to the people who have led the charge in the Gippy Goat Café saga which has now led to the café closing it’s doors because of unrelenting harassment of it’s owners and staff. What kind of deterrent is a $400 fine and no conviction recorded, like the woman in court in Queensland recently, when it was her fourth offence? Even when fines are significant, crowdfunding goes on to pay for them, so the perpetrator still isn’t out of pocket.

After yesterday’s disruptions I have seen several politicians come out with strong words against these animal rights activist’s actions but I for one am tired of just hearing the words. There must be action from our state and federal governments to stop these invasions happening.

Tougher penalties for breaking trespassing laws must be put in place, higher fines and criminal convictions being recorded are required, as well as jail time for repeat offenders. They are breaking the law, there must be significant consequences.

No one has the right to force their opinions and ideals on others through illegal activities, harassment and intimidation.

On a positive note, I have found the response of 90% of the population to be one of support for our farmers and it has warmed my heart to see it. So many people posting photos of their meat filled Monday night meal, using hashtags like #ProtectOurFarms #ILoveMeat #OurFarmYourFood and many others.

So to all of you who denounced the animal rights activist’s actions yesterday (no matter what your choice of diet), thankyou. It means the world to farmers that we have your support.